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Linebackers depth chart

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rascon

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I can’t find the thread that talks about linebacker depth chart and approach.
I think DT and LB play will be the biggest factors against ND game one.

If I recall, DC wants to use high ceiling guys with length and speed over established ave guys.

Are we going to roll out 3 LBs on most downs or will we use 2 with an extra DB?

I’m lowkey wanting to see Wiley get major playing time from jump, but how realistic is that? Toure is a given, yes?
 
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rascon said:
I can’t find the thread that talks about linebacker depth chart and approach.
I think DT and LB play will be the biggest factors against ND game one.

If I recall, DC wants to use high ceiling guys with length and speed over established ave guys.

Are we going to roll out 3 LBs on most downs or will we use 2 with an extra DB?

I’m lowkey wanting to see Wiley get major playing time from jump, but how realistic is that? Toure is a given, yes?
Click to expand...
Healthy Toure and Wes are locks for most PT. You'll see a lot of Popo, Pruitt, and Bonner as well. Wiley could very well get into the mix. There's talk Bobby Washington is progressing nicely from injury but who knows. Hayes is a question mark. There's also Alderman who's nothing special but can play multiple spots and has a lot of experience so I'd expect to see him a good bit as well.
 
Trav said:
Healthy Toure and Wes are locks for most PT. You'll see a lot of Popo, Pruitt, and Bonner as well. Wiley could very well get into the mix. There's talk Bobby Washington is progressing nicely from injury but who knows. Hayes is a question mark. There's also Alderman who's nothing special but can play multiple spots and has a lot of experience so I'd expect to see him a good bit as well.
Click to expand...

Trumpycane hasn’t heard any Hayes news since the car accident

Is he even on the team anymore?
 
2025 LBs
Mohamed Toure 6-2 236, 7th year SR, played in 43 games
Jaylin Alderman 6-1 230, RSR, played in 38 games
Chase Smith 6-2 230, RSR, played in 31 games
Wesley Bissainthe 6-1 230, SR, played in 38 games
PoPo Aguirre 6-2 235, JR, played in 13 games
Kamal Bonner 6-2 220, RSO, played in 18 games
Bobby Washington 6-3 230, RSO, played in 15 games
Cam Pruitt 6-2 215, SO, played in 13 games
Adarius Hayes 6-4 240, SO, played in 12 games
Kellen Wiley 6-4 238, FR, played in 0 games
Ezekiel Marcelin 5-11 208, FR, played in 0 games

Hstokes1447 said:
Miami's 2025 defense is a clear upgrade over the 2024 version in nearly every position group. While the 2024 defense mixed youth and experience, it lacked depth and underperformed due to injuries and scheme fit. The 2025 unit, under Hetherman with key transfers and development of the 5 star talent, is built for a major step forward.

Coaching Comparison: 2024 vs 2025

2024 Defensive Coordinator: Lance Guidry
  • Known for aggressive pressure, multiple fronts, and over use of stunts
  • Struggled with injuries and personnel mismatches
  • Key Stats (2024):
    • Total Defense: 42nd nationally
    • Scoring Defense: 24.1 PPG
    • Run Defense: 138.7 YPG
    • Pass Defense: 224.3 YPG
    • Turnovers Forced: 17
2025 Defensive Coordinator: Cory Hetherman
  • Focuses on discipline, gap integrity, and fundamentals
  • Inherits a deeper, more experienced unit
  • Key Stats (2024 at prior school):
    • Total Defense: 5th nationally
    • Scoring Defense: 18.3 PPG
    • Run Defense: 118.5 YPG
    • Pass Defense: 203.1 YPG
    • Turnovers Forced: 24
Edge: 2025 — Hetherman’s structured approach is expected to bring more consistency with fewer breakdowns and explosive plays.

Position Group Breakdown
Defensive Ends
  • 2024: Young, undersized, thin on depth. Injuries exposed the unit, when Bain (missed 4 games) and Alston (missed 5 games) went down it showed big time on the field in lack of pass rush.
  • 2025: Much deeper and more seasoned. Mesidor returns, to his natural position plus sophomores with solid experience.
    Edge: 2025
2024 DEs
Tyler Baron 6-5 255, 6th year SR, played in 48 games
Elijah Alston 6-2 256, 6th year SR, played in 42 games
Rueben Bain 6-3 275, SO, played in 13 games
Malik Bryant 6-2 225, SO, played in 8 games
Armondo Blount 6-4 260, FR, played 0 games
Cole McConathy 6-5 225, FR, played 0 games
Marquise Lightfoot 6-5 202, FR, played 0 games
Booker Pickett 6-4 210, FR, played 0 games
Elias Rudolph 6-5 205, FR, played 0 games

2025 DEs
Akheem Mesidor 6-3 260, 7th year SR, played in 51 games
Rueben Bain 6-3 265, JR, played in 25 games
Malik Bryant 6-2 240, JR, played in 22 games
Armondo Blount 6-4 270, SO, played 8 games
Cole McConathy 6-5 260, SO, played 9 games
Marquise Lightfoot 6-5 227, SO, played 9 games
Booker Pickett 6-4 230, RFR, played 4 games
Hayden Lowe 6-5 260, FR, played 0 games
Herbert Scroggins 6-3 235, FR, played 0 games

Defensive Tackles
  • 2024: More experience, but limited impact due to injuries and scheme.
  • 2025: Less experienced but higher ceiling. Scheme flexibility with Blount and Bain helps, I compare this DT group to the 2023 Michigan DT room. Going into the 2023 season, Michigan had major concerns about DT depth, so much so that Alessandro Lorenzetti was converted from OT to DT. They returned SR Kris Jenkins 6-3 299 who was named All‑Big Ten Honorable Mention the previous season, and SO Mason Graham who was named PFF True Freshman All‑America, after the 2022 season; no one else returning had contributed. So the team that went on to win the national championship went into the season hoping for a big year from some young DTs in SO Mason Graham and RFR Kenneth Grant. Sounds a lot like Miami with RSR David Blay who won First‑Team All‑CUSA and Honorable Mention All‑America, along with promising young DTs in SO Justin Scott and RFR Artavius Jones.
  • Edge: 2025 (Talent Up, Depth Down)
2024 DTs
Simeon Barrow 6-3 290, 6th year SR, played in 34 games
Akheem Mesidor 6-3 280, 6th year SR, played in 38 games
Marley Cook 6-2 298, 6th year SR, played in 49 games
C.J. Clark 6-3 305, 6th year SR, played in 42 games
Anthony Campbell 6-7 300, 6th year SR, played in 17 games
Ahmad Moten 6-3 305, RSO, played in 13 games
Josh Horton 6-4 295, RFR, played in 3 games
Justin Scott 6-4 280, FR, played in 0 games
Artavius Jones 6-3 300, FR, played in 0 games
Daylen Russell 6-3 275, FR, played in 0 games

2025 DTs
David Blay 6-4 304, 5th year SR, played in 22 games
Ahmad Moten 6-3 305, RJR, played in 25 games
Justin Scott 6-4 300, SO, played in 11 games
Artavius Jones 6-3 310, RFR, played in 1 games
Daylen Russell 6-3 300, RFR, played in 0 games
Donta Simpson 6-3 300, FR, played in 0 games
Mykah Newton 6-3 265, FR, played in 0 games

Linebackers
  • 2024: Mauigoa led, but depth was shaky as best. This unit looked confused and out of position a lot, Hetherman’s simplified system and emphasis on communication will help fix that.
  • 2025: the new scheme paired with 9 LBs with game experience, including experienced transfers like Toure and Bonner.
    Edge: 2025
2024 LBs
Francisco Mauigoa 6-2 233, SR, played in 38 games
Jaylin Alderman 6-1 230, RJR, played in 27 games
Chase Smith 6-2 220, RJR, played in 19 games
Wesley Bissainthe 6-1 220, JR, played in 26 games
PoPo Aguirre 6-2 230, SO, played in 23 games
Bobby Washington 6-3 220, RFR, played in 4 games
Cam Pruitt 6-2 200, FR, played in 0 games
Adarius Hayes 6-4 230, FR, played in 0 games

2025 LBs
Mohamed Toure 6-2 236, 7th year SR, played in 43 games
Jaylin Alderman 6-1 230, RSR, played in 38 games
Chase Smith 6-2 230, RSR, played in 31 games
Wesley Bissainthe 6-1 230, SR, played in 38 games
PoPo Aguirre 6-2 235, JR, played in 13 games
Kamal Bonner 6-2 220, RSO, played in 18 games
Bobby Washington 6-3 230, RSO, played in 15 games
Cam Pruitt 6-2 215, SO, played in 13 games
Adarius Hayes 6-4 240, SO, played in 12 games
Kellen Wiley 6-4 238, FR, played in 0 games
Ezekiel Marcelin 5-11 208, FR, played in 0 games

Cornerbacks
  • 2024: Thin and exposed after Damari Brown’s injury. Washington, Stafford, and Mack were not playable at all, leaving the team with a total of 3 CBs with Brown sidelined and two of those 3 were Jadais Richard who was also injured and the skinny and slow D'Yoni Hill who couldn’t catch a TE in the open field.
  • 2025: Overhauled with multiple talented and athletic transfers along with the return of standout OJ Frederique. This group is just better in every way
    Edge: 2025
2024 CBs
Jadais Richard 6-1 195, JR, played in 22 games
D'Yoni Hill 6-0 172, RSO, played in 23 games
Damari Brown 6-2 195, SO, played in 9 games
Robby Washington 5-11 180, RFR, played in 2 games
Robert Stafford 5-11 180, RFR, played in 0 games
OJ Frederique 6-0 180, FR, played in 0 games
Ryan Mack 5-11 170, FR, played in 0 games

2025 CBs
Jadais Richard 6-1 195, SR, played in 31 games
Damari Brown 6-2 195, RSO, played in 11 games
Ethan O'Connor 6-1 180, RSO, played in 13 games
OJ Frederique 6-0 190, SO, played in 13 games
Xavier Lucas 6-2 200, SO, played in 12 games
Ryan Mack 5-11 170, RFR, played in 0 games
Ja'Boree Antoine 6-1 180, FR, played in 0 games

Nickel
  • 2024: Due to injuries and lack of depth, Porter played out of position and it showed in a major way.
  • 2025: SEC-tested Keionte Scott leads group that actually has depth.
    Edge: 2025
2024 Nickels
Daryl Porter 5-10 185, RSR, played in 47 games

2025 Nickels
Keionte Scott 6-0 196, 6th year SR, played in 33 games
Charles Brantley 5-11 175, 5th year SR, played in 31 games (will be an outside corner, just listed here because he played it during spring)
Chris Ewald 6-1 180, FR, played in 0 games

Safeties
  • 2024: Weakest unit in the history of the University of Miami; lacked speed, tackling, and depth.
  • 2025: Features more talent, still questionable depth, but a few playable guys non the less, backed by bluechip freshman.
    Edge: 2025
2024 Safeties
Mishael Powell 6-1 210, 6th year SR, played in 36 games
Isaiah Taylor 5-11 200, RJR, played in 25 games
Markeith Williams 6-2 175, RSO, played in 15 games
Jaden Harris 6-0 190, RSO, played in 12 games
Isaiah Thomas 6-2 200, FR, played in 0 games
Dylan Day 6-2 190, FR, played in 0 games
Zaquan Patterson 6-0 190, FR, played in 0 games

2025 Safeties
Briton Allen 6-0 195, 7th year SR, played in 21 games
Jakobe Thomas 6-2 205, 5th year SR, played in 37 games
Isaiah Taylor 5-11 200, RSR, played in 29 games
Markeith Williams 6-2 190, RJR, played in 28 games
Zechariah Poyser 6-2 200 RSO, played in 18 games
Dylan Day 6-2 200, SO, played in 13 games
Bryce Fitzgerald 6-1 187, FR, played in 0 games
Amari Wallace 5-10 180, FR, played in 0 games

Individual Recognition
Past Awards
  • Akheem Mesidor: 2020 Freshman All-American, 2020 Second-Team All-Big 12, 2021 All-Big 12 Third Team, 2022 Honorable Mention All-ACC, 2024 Honorable Mention All-ACC
  • David Blay: First‑Team All‑CUSA and Honorable Mention All‑America
  • Rueben Bain: 2023 Freshman All‑America, 2023 All‑ACC Third Team, and 2024 All‑ACC Honorable Mention
  • Mohamed Toure: 2023 All-Big Ten Honorable Mention
  • OJ Frederique: 2024 Freshman All‑America, and 2024 ACC All‑Conference Honorable Mention
  • Charles Brantley: 2024 Honorable Mention All-Big Ten
  • Zechariah Poyser: Freshman All‑America and Second Team All‑CUSA

Minnesota vs Penn State


Minnesota vs USC


Final Verdict
Miami's 2025 defense will be bigger, faster, deeper, and better coached. With clear upgrades at nearly every position, especially DE, LB, DB, and Safety, the only question is DT depth — and the new scheme accounts for that with hybrid flexibility.

I keep watching Minnesota vs Penn State and imagining Miami players in those same roles. I know we are all suffering from PTSD of 20 years of being trash, but this Miami talent in Hetherman’s scheme could be scary.
Click to expand...
 
Hstokes1447 said:
2025 LBs
Mohamed Toure 6-2 236, 7th year SR, played in 43 games
Jaylin Alderman 6-1 230, RSR, played in 38 games
Chase Smith 6-2 230, RSR, played in 31 games
Wesley Bissainthe 6-1 230, SR, played in 38 games
PoPo Aguirre 6-2 235, JR, played in 13 games
Kamal Bonner 6-2 220, RSO, played in 18 games
Bobby Washington 6-3 230, RSO, played in 15 games
Cam Pruitt 6-2 215, SO, played in 13 games
Adarius Hayes 6-4 240, SO, played in 12 games
Kellen Wiley 6-4 238, FR, played in 0 games
Ezekiel Marcelin 5-11 208, FR, played in 0 games
Click to expand...
Are we really thinking Alderman, Chase and/or Wes are going to breakout after all this time? I haven’t seen anything that suggests they are now difference makers. I see them as good supporting players, but if our defense is going to take a step up, I’m leaning towards new blood leading the way there.

I’m excited for Wiley, but I also think Popo, Washington, Pruitt all intrigue me as well. I’m not overly familiar with Bonner, but he is light like Pruitt, and I thought CH wants bigger guys back there.
 
rascon said:
Are we really thinking Alderman, Chase and/or Wes are going to breakout after all this time? I haven’t seen anything that suggests they are now difference makers. I see them as good supporting players, but if our defense is going to take a step up, I’m leaning towards new blood leading the way there.

I’m excited for Wiley, but I also think Popo, Washington, Pruitt all intrigue me as well. I’m not overly familiar with Bonner, but he is light like Pruitt, and I thought CH wants bigger guys back there.
Click to expand...
I think Wes can take another step as he has been battling a lot of nagging injuries most of his time here. That and I think we now have a DC who can maximize his talents. Smith and Alderman probably are what they are but I do think Heatherman can get something positive out of them.
 
LB will be improved but I'm not convinced this will be a strong group.

Toure - coming off big injury
Bissainthe - meh up to this point
Bonner - backup at NCST prior to injury from starter
Aguirre - couldn't get on the field last year when the position was trash
Smith - nonexistent
Pruitt - is he still 200lbs?
Wiley - freshman
 
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rascon said:
Are we really thinking Alderman, Chase and/or Wes are going to breakout after all this time? I haven’t seen anything that suggests they are now difference makers. I see them as good supporting players, but if our defense is going to take a step up, I’m leaning towards new blood leading the way there.

I’m excited for Wiley, but I also think Popo, Washington, Pruitt all intrigue me as well. I’m not overly familiar with Bonner, but he is light like Pruitt, and I thought CH wants bigger guys back there.
Click to expand...
When it comes to Chase I think it’s unfair to write off a play who has been injured. Its no different than Elijah Arroyo from the same class as Chase, before the 2024 season Arroyo had all of 11 receptions, for 163 yards and 1 TD, gets fully recovered and in one season plays himself into the second round of the NFL Draft. What I do know is Chase has been running with the ones since spring and Chase is everything that Hetherman likes in a LB, at least 6-2, athletic, and ability to rush the passer.

As far as Wes he has improved in production every season so it’s safe to say that he will improve this season as well. Even more so because he is now playing in a defense designed for LBs to eat.

Finally for the past 3 seasons Hetherman has turned a LB into a ALL Conference player, who had never made any all conference list before being coached by Hetherman. So if that holds true, there will be a LB on this roster that goes from “mid” to All Conference.
 
Hstokes1447 said:
2025 LBs
Mohamed Toure 6-2 236, 7th year SR, played in 43 games
Jaylin Alderman 6-1 230, RSR, played in 38 games
Chase Smith 6-2 230, RSR, played in 31 games
Wesley Bissainthe 6-1 230, SR, played in 38 games
PoPo Aguirre 6-2 235, JR, played in 13 games
Kamal Bonner 6-2 220, RSO, played in 18 games
Bobby Washington 6-3 230, RSO, played in 15 games
Cam Pruitt 6-2 215, SO, played in 13 games
Adarius Hayes 6-4 240, SO, played in 12 games
Kellen Wiley 6-4 238, FR, played in 0 games
Ezekiel Marcelin 5-11 208, FR, played in 0 games
Click to expand...

Just not good enough. Heather man has to earn his paycheck with that group
 
Trav said:
Healthy Toure and Wes are locks for most PT. You'll see a lot of Popo, Pruitt, and Bonner as well. Wiley could very well get into the mix. There's talk Bobby Washington is progressing nicely from injury but who knows. Hayes is a question mark. There's also Alderman who's nothing special but can play multiple spots and has a lot of experience so I'd expect to see him a good bit as well.
Click to expand...
Agreed. Toure and Wes will definitely play a ton with Popo, Pruitt and Bonner also getting a lot of snaps. I also think we will see Chase Smith in certain situations and Jaylin Alderman will provide depth. The two LBs who I am most intrigued by however are Kellen Wiley and Bobby Washington. Both have the physical tools to be elite LBs and they both fit what DC Corey Hetherman wants in his LBs. Hetherman wants length and speed and has said that he will teach them the rest. Hopefully Bobby Washington makes a complete recovery from his knee injury because when he is 100% healthy, there are very few LBs with the physical tools he has. Luckily for us Kellen Wiley is another such player. The future could be extremely bright with these two. It's great to have a DC who is also a teacher.
 
Hstokes1447 said:
2025 LBs
Mohamed Toure 6-2 236, 7th year SR, played in 43 games
Jaylin Alderman 6-1 230, RSR, played in 38 games
Chase Smith 6-2 230, RSR, played in 31 games
Wesley Bissainthe 6-1 230, SR, played in 38 games
PoPo Aguirre 6-2 235, JR, played in 13 games
Kamal Bonner 6-2 220, RSO, played in 18 games
Bobby Washington 6-3 230, RSO, played in 15 games
Cam Pruitt 6-2 215, SO, played in 13 games
Adarius Hayes 6-4 240, SO, played in 12 games
Kellen Wiley 6-4 238, FR, played in 0 games
Ezekiel Marcelin 5-11 208, FR, played in 0 games
Click to expand...
Going to need a talent infusion next offseason
 
Just like at corner they threw a lot at the wall on top of the talent already in the room to hope something “figures itself out”

I thought last year we would be above average at worst but it regressed bad… this is the unit I’m most worried about on the team. Need to see the production and improvement during the season not just insiders pumping propaganda
 
Miami04 said:
Going to need a talent infusion next offseason
Click to expand...
How do you define talent infusion? Are you suggesting a complete overhaul like the DB room.

Of the 7 players eligible to return 5 were 4star blue chip recruits. 1 was a 3 star Transfer who was the 3rd leading talker for NC State as a redshirt freshman and the other 3 star is a true freshman who started all 4 years at powerhouse Miami Central. All of these players in 2024 were either true sophomores/ red shirt freshman contributors (PoPo, Bonner, and Washington) the others were true freshman (who contributed, both Pruitt and Hayes and INTs) or still in high school. (Wiley and Marcelin)

So my question is what film or live practice that you have personally seen of these players at the college level, that has provide you evidence to say these players will not cut it at Miami?

PoPo Aguirre 6-2 235, 4 star, #20 LB, #204 nationally
Kamal Bonner 6-2 220, 3 star, #10 Transfer LB
Bobby Washington 6-3 230, 4 star, #37 LB,
Cam Pruitt 6-2 215, 4 star, #22 S
Adarius Hayes 6-4 240, 4 star, #8 LB
Kellen Wiley 6-4 238, 4 star, #27 LB,
Ezekiel Marcelin 5-11 208, 3 star, #54 LB

Committed
Jordan Campbell 6-2 200, 4 star, #7 LB
Justin Edwards 6-1 205, 3 star #45 LB
 
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Here is 2023 vs 2024 starting LB production, so the conversation about any drop off in production can be backed by fact.


Wesley Bissainthe Stats (Jump in tackle production, slight drop off in TFLs)
2023 (Sophomore)
  • Games: 13
  • Solo tackles: 25
  • Assisted tackles: 19
  • Total tackles: 44
  • Tackles for loss: 7
  • Sacks: 2.0
  • Fumble recoveries: 1

2024 (Junior)
  • Games: 13
  • Solo tackles: 36
  • Assisted tackles: 23
  • Total tackles: 59
  • Tackles for loss: 5
  • Sacks: 2.0
  • Interceptions: 1
Francisco Mauigoa Stats (Jump in tackle production, but a drop off in sacks and TFLs)
2023 (Junior)
  • Games: 13
  • Solo tackles: 48
  • Assisted tackles: 34
  • Total tackles: 82
  • Tackles for loss: 18.0
  • Sacks: 7.5
  • Interceptions: 1
  • Forced fumbles: 2

2024 (Senior)
  • Games: 13
  • Solo tackles: 51
  • Assisted tackles: 45
  • Total tackles: 96
  • Tackles for loss: 11.0
  • Sacks: 2.0
  • Interceptions: 1
  • Forced fumbles: 1

Were these changes in production a result of the player or the coaching?
 
Here is Wesley Bissainthe 2024 production vs Kamal Bonner’s, both playing in the ACC.

Wesley Bissainthe
  • Games: 13
  • Solo tackles: 36
  • Assisted tackles: 23
  • Total tackles: 59
  • Tackles for loss: 5
  • Sacks: 2.0
  • Interceptions: 1
  • PFF coverage grade of 81.9
Kamal Bonner
  • Games: 13
  • Solo tackles: 23
  • Assisted tackles: 33
  • Total tackles: 56
  • Tackles for loss: 7.0
  • Sacks: 1.0
  • Interceptions: 0
  • PFF coverage grade was 60.2
 
Last edited:
HurricanesR1 said:
LB will be improved but I'm not convinced this will be a strong group.

Toure - coming off big injury
Bissainthe - meh up to this point
Bonner - backup at NCST prior to injury from starter
Aguirre - couldn't get on the field last year when the position was trash
Smith - nonexistent
Pruitt - is he still 200lbs?
Wiley - freshman
Click to expand...

Aguirre played real minutes when he wasn’t hurt.
 
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